Optima’s president and COO David Hovey Jr. shares details about what’s in store for the $1 billion project in north Scottsdale.

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Hospital bidding wars are alive and well for prime land in north Scottsdale. After losing a state land auction late last year, the state’s largest health system now has plans to build a hospital on another parcel nearby.

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If sewage is fun – you must be in Scottsdale.

According to a recent newsletter from Councilwoman Solange Whitehead, “Elected leaders from around the state and the governor’s office attended my ‘Building Arizona’s Energy and Water Future’ session and Scottsdale Water Executive Director Brian Biesemeyer served on the water panel. 

“But the Popsicles were the real hit at the conference. Fruity, delicious and made from Scottsdale recycled waste water.  Everyone was talking about the Popsicles!”

Scottsdale Water spokeswoman Jessica Lema confirmed Biesemeyer moderated a water panel hosted by the Arizona League of Cities and Towns Aug. 30, adding:

“Popsicles made with recycled water from Scottsdale’s Advanced Water Treatment Facility were served after the discussion.”

The panel’s theme was “Water: What’s Happening – And What’s Next.”

In North Scottsdale, what’s happening is construction – of sewer lines.

And what’s next is Optima McDowell Mountain Village, which plans 10 story buildings that will house 1,330 luxury apartment and condo units on North Scottsdale Road.

On May 4, the Development Review Board unanimously approved the Optima development on desert land from Mayo Boulevard to the Loop 101.

City Council narrowly approved the development in November.

The mammoth Optima project, projected to cost $1 billion to build, was opposed by council members Kathy Littlefield, Betty Janik and Solange Whitehead.

But in the “no hard feelings” department, Littlefield, Janik and Whitehead joined the other four council members in approving an infrastructure reimbursement agreement with Optima McDowell Mountain Village.

Biesemeyer gave the presentation on the sewer build-out across undeveloped land between Scottsdale Road and the TPC Golf Course.

He stressed Optima will pay for the construction – with “reimbursement from the city for portions that are not required for Optima.”

Sewer development fee funds will pay for part of the project, with future developers to be charged “payback” for the sewer lines they will use.

The new sewer pipes will allow for even more development south of the 101 between Pima Road and Scottsdale Road.

Optima is developing 20 acres at 18777 N. Scottsdale Road, just off the freeway.

The rezoning last fall included a development agreement on sewer infrastructure.

After poring over results of a commissioned study, the city “concluded that the sewer infrastructure capacity needed to serve all of the existing and future development in the area would need to be significantly increased beyond what was planned,” according to the agenda background on the Optima agreement.

Instead of having the developer put in its minimum sewer pipe requirements, the city asked Optima to construct “larger diameter sewer mains which are sized to handle future projected flows for development in the area.”

The Progress asked Biesemeyer how much the whole new system will cost.

“An estimate of construction cost will be developed as design nears completion,” he replied. “Optima will be paying up to 26% of design and construction costs.”

Biesemeyer was asked if the sewer lines will extend as far as the proposed Banner hospital and Axon campus projects on the west and east sides of Hayden Road south of the Loop 101.

“The sewer would serve the proposed Banner site but local sewer line would need to be constructed by the developer,” he said.

“Axon would also need to construct local sewers but is able to connect to an existing sewer on Hayden Road.” 

According to Biesemeyer, construction on the Optima-and-others sewer line “will be completed in phases to minimize traffic and community disruptions.”

He expects construction on the North Scottsdale sewer project to begin in the spring and finish a year-and-a-half later. 

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Optima has locked up all the needed approvals and will start work on its one billion dollar mixed-use community called Optima McDowell Mountain Village.

The project, located at Scottsdale Road and the Loop 101 Freeway will include six concrete-framed, eight-story buildings that will consist of 1,330 luxury residences and 36,000 square feet of commercial and retail space. The development will be a mix of condominiums and apartments.

Each of the six buildings will include a rooftop deck with an Olympic-length swimming pool; a sauna, spa, and cold plunge and a running track that will follow the perimeter of the roof. Indoor amenities consist of a fitness center and yoga studio that look out over the lushly landscaped courtyard; a sauna and steam room; a residents’ club with game room and theater; an indoor basketball and pickleball court; an outdoor pickleball arena; a golf simulator and an outdoor putting/chipping area.

Optima McDowell Mountain Village is putting an emphasis on sustainability, including rainwater harvesting and solar panels liberally scattered throughout the project.

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Award-winning real estate development firm, Optima is partnering with Mitsui Fudosan America, Inc. for the development of the first building within its newest Arizona residential development, Optima McDowell Mountain, located on 22-acres on the southeast corner of Scottsdale Road and the Loop 101 Freeway in North Scottsdale.

The first building will consist of 210 rental residences, which just broke ground this month and is located on the southwest corner of the site. The overall development will comprise six, eight-story apartment and condominium buildings that will include 1,330 luxury residences and 36,000 square feet of commercial and retail space.

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SCOTTSDALE, ARIZ. — Real estate development firm Optima has received city approval for Optima McDowell Mountain Village, a $1 billion apartment and condominium project in North Scottsdale.

Plans call for six buildings comprising 1,330 luxury units as well as 36,000 square feet of commercial and retail space. Construction is scheduled to begin in spring or summer 2023.

Each of the six buildings within the development will contain its own amenity offering, including a rooftop deck with Olympic-length pool, sauna, spa, running track, outdoor kitchen and lounge seating. Each rooftop will offer views of the McDowell Mountains.

The ground floor of each building will be outfitted with a lobby, fitness center, yoga studio, steam room, game room, theater, indoor basketball and pickleball court, golf simulator, massage room, business center and dog park.

The project will be the largest private rainwater harvesting site in the U.S., according to the developer. The residences are expected to use half as much water as the average Scottsdale multifamily residence and a quarter as much water as the average Scottsdale single-family home. Optima is also providing the city with 2,750 acre-feet of water that will be deposited into the Scottsdale water system.

The community will also be the first project in Arizona to be built under both the new International Energy Conservation Code and International Green Construction Code. A few of the sustainable features include: 75 percent open space that will be a combination of artificial turf, xeriscape landscaping and native plants; high-performance mechanical systems and solar panels; 100 percent underground parking to mitigate the heat-island effect; and Optima’s signature vertical landscape system.

The vertical landscaping system features self-containing irrigation and drainage. Plants at the edge of each floor grow up and over the edge of the building. The plants help protect homes from the sun and create additional privacy.

Optima McDowell Mountain Village will be Optima’s most sustainable project to date, according to David Hovey Jr., president and COO.

Optima is a privately held development firm with offices in Arizona and Illinois.

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Contracts, Bids, Proposals

ARIZONA

Optima is planning to develop the Optima McDowell Mountain Village on the southeast corner of Scottsdale Road and the Loop 101 freeway in Scottsdale. It will include six eight-story concrete-framed apartment buildings containing 1,500 units that will be a mix of rental units and condominiums. The complex will include 31,000 sq ft of commercial space and underground parking. Each building will have a rooftop pool and running track, solar panels and a vertical landscaping system with self-contained irrigation and drainage systems. Construction is expected to start in August. The project is valued at $1 billion. Optima, 7157 E. Rancho Vista Drive, Scottsdale, 85251. DR#22-00556369.

ARIZONA

Pew & Lake is planning to build the PHX Surf Park in Maricopa. It will include water slides, a lazy river, real sand beaches, an infinity pool, spa, concert stage, an RV park and hotel space. The project is valued at between $25 million and $50 million. Pew & Lake, 1744 S. Val Vista Drive, Mesa, 85204. DR#21-00652849.

The Arizona Dept. of Transportation is planning to carry out an improvement project to State Route 101 in Scottsdale. The project entails adding one lane in each direction for five miles between Princess Drive/Pima Road to Shea Boulevard. The project is valued at $143 million. Arizona Dept. of Transportation, 1655 W. Jackson St., Phoenix, 85007. DR#21-00664604.

ARIZONA

The city of Phoenix is planning to carry out Phase 1 of a rehabilitation project at the 91st Avenue wastewater treatment plant in Tolleson. The project entails replacing solids treatment equipment, including centrifuges, pumps, motors, heat exchangers, cake pumps, sludge hoppers, boilers, piping, valves and control instruments. PCL Construction Inc. was chosen as the construction manager. The project is valued at $46.1 million. City of Phoenix Water Services, Attn: John Masche, 305 W. Washington St., Phoenix, 85003. DR#19-00835270.

NEVADA

The Washoe County Regional Transit Commission is planning to carry out Phase 2 of the Sparks Boulevard improvement project in Sparks. The project will add roadway capacity by widening the boulevard between Greg Street and Baring Boulevard and add bicycle and pedestrian facilities. Construction is expected to start in March 2024. The project is valued at $60 million. Washoe County Regional Transit Commission, Attn: Jeff Wilbrecht, Project Manager, 1105 Terminal Way, Reno, 89502. DR#17-00710839.

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The sustainable residential neighborhood Optima McDowell Mountain Village in North Scottsdale has broken ground on its first building, which will be one of many within the development to offer unique desert living in the prime location of Scottsdale.

Located on 22 acres on the southeast corner of Scottsdale Road and the Loop 101 freeway, Optima McDowell Mountain Village is the newest Arizona residential development of award-winning real estate development firm, Optima, and is set to provide state-of-the-art homes, as well as all-inclusive, health-based amenities for residents and visitors.

Optima has partnered with real estate company Mitsui Fudosan America, Inc. (MFA) to develop the residential community’s first building, which broke ground this month and will consist of 210 rental residences. When complete, the entire Optima development will comprise six, eight-story apartment and condominium buildings that will include 1,330 luxury residences and 36,000 square feet of commercial and retail space.

“We are very excited to begin this partnership with an organization of the caliber of Mitsui Fudosan America that shares our commitment to exceptional design, the highest quality construction, resident-centric property management, and the creation of sustainable neighborhoods,” says David Hovey Jr., AIA, president and COO of Optima, Inc.

Designed by David Hovey Sr., FAIA, and David Hovey Jr., AIA, each of the six buildings will feature the sophisticated architectural detail that characterizes Optima’s Arizona projects, along with resort-style amenities, including: a rooftop sky deck with a 50-meter Olympic-length swimming pool; a sauna, spa and cold plunge; a running track following the perimeter of the roof; outdoor fire pits; lounge seating; outdoor kitchens with barbecues and dining spaces; and sheltering arbors covered with vines. Every rooftop will offer spectacular views of the McDowell Mountains to the east, vibrant sunsets to the west, Pinnacle Peak to the north and Camelback Mountain to the south.

The ground-floor level of each building will boast spacious, well-appointed lobbies in addition to a fitness center and yoga studio looking out to a lushly landscaped courtyard; a sauna and steam room; a residents’ club with game room and theater; an indoor basketball and pickleball court; an outdoor pickleball arena; a golf simulator; an outdoor putting/chipping area; indoor and outdoor kids’ play spaces; a massage room; a dog park and pet spa; and a business center and conference room.

In addition to premier Scottsdale living, Optima McDowell Mountain Village will provide residents with 36,000 square feet of commercial and retail space. The residential community is also ideally located near the shopping, dining and entertainment of Scottsdale Quarter and Kierland Commons and easily connects to Downtown Phoenix, Glendale, Old Town Scottsdale, Tempe, Mesa and Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport.

The community will be the first project in Arizona to be built under both the new International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) and International Green Construction Code (IgCC). Sustainability features include 75% open space that will be a combination of artificial turf, xeriscape landscaping and native plants; high-performance mechanical systems and solar panels; 100% underground parking to mitigate the heat-island effect; and the largest private rainwater harvesting system in the U.S.

The development will also feature Optima’s signature vertical landscape system, which provides self-containing irrigation and drainage and allows for sustainable shading using vibrantly-colored plants that create additional privacy, protect homes from the sun, filter the air and lower ambient temperature.

Read more on Arizona Foothills Magazine

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Real estate development firm Optima recently announced plans to move ahead with its next Arizona residential development, Optima McDowell Mountain Village, in north Scottsdale after receiving the city’s approval for the $1 billion sustainable mixed-use community.

Breaking ground spring/summer 2023, the 22-acre site, located on the southeast corner of Scottsdale Road and the Loop 101 Freeway, Optima McDowell Mountain Village is comprised of six concrete-framed, eight-story buildings that will include 1,330 luxury residences and 36,000 square feet of commercial and retail space, a press release explained.

The development will be a mix of condominiums and apartments.

Optima McDowell Mountain Village will create an environmentally friendly, residential neighborhood in the burgeoning area of north Scottsdale with a state-of-the-art, all-inclusive, health-based, amenity-rich community. Most notably from a sustainability perspective, it will be the largest private rainwater harvesting site in the U.S.

The residences within the community are expected to use half as much water as the average Scottsdale multi-family residence and a quarter as much water as the average Scottsdale single-family home. Optima is also providing the City of Scottsdale with 2,750 acre-feet of water that will be deposited into the Scottsdale water system.

“We are especially excited about the location of Optima McDowell Mountain Village being in north Scottsdale so close to the spectacular McDowell Mountains and the proximity to the Loop 101 Freeway as well as current and future major employers” said David Hovey Jr., Optima’s president and COO, in the release.

“Architecturally this project will be unique with over 75% open space with six buildings surrounding a central sheltered courtyard comprised of a combination of xeriscape, drip irrigation and artificial turf,” Hovey continued. “This will be our most sustainable project to-date and will include the largest private rainwater harvesting system in the United States, as well as the next evolution of our vertical landscaping system and active roof decks.”

The community will be the first project in Arizona to be built under both the new International Energy Conservation Code and International Green Construction Code.

A few highlights of the sustainable features include 75% open space that will be a combination of artificial turf, xeriscape landscaping and native plants; high-performance mechanical systems, solar panels; 100% underground parking to mitigate the heat-island effect, and Optima’s signature vertical landscape system.

The release explained that the vertical landscaping system, with its self-containing irrigation and drainage, enables a palette of vibrantly colored plants at the edge of each floor to grow both up and over the edge of the building.

The integration of enhancements to the vertical landscape and architectural shading systems protects homes from the sun and creates additional privacy, while filtering the air and lowering ambient temperature.

Read more on Scottsdale Independent

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